Help me spend my money!

[ddasilva]

Hello.

I am building a new computer...a PIII800 with 128mb ram and etc.

I want a strong video card that will play some games but it will mostly be used for home use like homework and surfing and etc.

What is the best card for my situation...I will be a hardcore surfer and word processor user...sometimes dealing with adding clipart (graphics) and sometimes playing games. I don't want to buy a 'super computer' that will lag with games because the vid card isn't strong enough.

What video card should I buy? and please tell me why
Thank you so very much
Derek

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

What's you're budget?
Geforce2 mx's are down to $90
Voodoo3's are $51
Radeon's are $131(best text clarity) IMO

Also consider for clarity and color saturation a good monitor.

 

[ddasilva]

What about the Asus GEFORCE 256 ?

 

[Jgtdragon]

From what you described, I'll say Radeon. You can get the Radeon VE to save money if you do not plan to play much games. The 2d from the Radeon will be great for surfing and word processing.The Radeon Ve is decent in games too.

 

[bluemax]

I suggest a cheap Voodoo3. If you ever experience FSAA though, and get hooked (you will!) then the FSAA on a Voodoo 4 or 5 card can't be beat. Quino's selling some voodoo4's at a darn good price... Go to buy/sell/trade on here and search for "voodoo"- you can't miss him.
2D quality is also top-notch, right up there with ATI and Matrox. (Avoid nVidia products if you want sharp text at 1024x768 and up...)

 

[ddasilva]

How about the Nvidia GEFORCE 256 cards? Anyone? I nhaven't heard a person suggest one yet!

 

[Moving Target]

That's because if anyone brings up a GeForce around here you get bombarded by the Radeon Freaks bitch about how much better they look. Even though I game with a guy how has a Radeon and we all think my GTS looks just as good (and is faster).

Just wait, you will see what I mean.

 

[fodd3r]

the only reason the nvidia chips haven't been recommended is simply due to the bad 2d image quilty, 3dfx's isn't that great either. ati is your best bet, you'll want sharp text and good refresh rates.

 

[Chuffmaster2k]

I have had both a 32MB Radeon DDR and a GeForce 2 GTS 32 MB and they are both excellent cards. I do believe the 2D was a little crisper on the Radeon, but I chose the GeForce because of gaming performance. It is really what you would rather have. I have no problems with the GeForce at all. Good luck with whatever you decide. Get either card and you will be happy.